Manually operated and electrically latched lock



July 3, 1934.

R. M. WALKER MANUALLY OPERATED AND ELECTRI'CALLY LATCHED LOCK Filed June 17, 1932 E'ln A w V l X if 27 il j .LIz--:-A: H17 31| Il. HW I7 0 r11 [Iii y g l 24 m l f3 f l @if 1* I ilu 15 Il., WW' *hw if D /E-f; 26 .EDBIZSHM VYBZIIBEOFR (Zttornegs.

Patented July 3, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MANUALLY OPERATED AND ELECTRICALLY LATCHED LOCK Calif.

Application June 17, 1932, Serial No. 617,838

2 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in locks and has particular reference to a manually operated and electrically latched lock.

The principal object of the invention is to provide means whereby the lock may only be unlocked through the first closing of an electrical circuit and secondly the manual operation of the lock.

A further object is to produce a device which is compact and therefore capable of being employed where the usual lock is used.

Another object is to produce a device whereby a plurality of locks may be simultaneously connected so that the manual operation will complete the electrical actuation of the lock.

A still further object is to produce a device which is economical to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this specication and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of my lock with the face plate thereof removed,

Fig. 2 is a view similar to Fig. 1, showing the lock in actuated position,

Fig. 3 is a cross sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1, and

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view showing the manner in which several locks may be connected together.

Applicant is aware of the fact that there are in use, locks which are electrically actuated, the

electrical energizing of which throws the bolt to unlocking position. Applicants device differs in that the closing of a switch does not energize the unlocking mechanism but merely places the lock in condition for actuation as soon as the same is manually operated, the manual operation serving to complete the electrical circuit and thus lifting a detent out of the path of the actuating lever. In the accompanying drawing wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 5 designates a lock casing in which is positioned a slidable bolt 6 having a pin 7 upon which is coiled a spring 8, one end of the spring abutting the casing 5 and the opposite end abutting the bolt 6.

This spring normally maintains the bolt in the position of Fig. 1. An opening 9 through the bolt 6 permits one end 11 of a lever 12 to extend therethrough, the upper end of which has a T-head 13, the purpose of which will be later seen. This lever 12 is actuated by the customary spindle 14 lock is installed, for instance in a door, and is given a slight movement to cause the T-head 13 which is rotated through the medium of the ordinary handle or door knob, common on all locks of this type. The lever 12 has an extension 16 which is provided with a nose 17 adapted to engage a cam 18 formed upon a switch arm 19. This 60 switch arm carries a contact 21 adapted to engage a contact 22, mounted upon an adjustable switch arm 23. These switch arms 19 and 23 are mounted in an insulating block 24 secured to the casing 5. The switch arm 19 is grounded as shown at 65 26 while the adjustable arm 23 is connected by a wire 27 to one side of an electro magnet 28 mounted in the casing 5, the opposite side of which magnet is connected by a wire 29 to one side of a switch shown at A. The opposite side of this 70 switch is connected to a suitable source of electrical energy.

A detent 31 is pivoted as at 32 and has its free end underlying the electro magnet 28. This detent also'has its free end supported by a block 33 so that when in the position of Fig. 1, it is in alignment with the T-head 13, but spaced a short distance therefrom.

The result of this construction is that when the electrically connected to a suitable source of electrical energy, the switch A may be closed (which switch may be a secret switch, that is, one which is hidden and not known to an unauthorized person). This closing of the switch, however, will not energize the electro magnet 28 for the reason that the contacts 21 and 22 are open. Therefore, the detent 31 will be in alignment with the T- head 13 until the knob and lever 12 have been to approach the de'tent 31. This initial movement will cause the nose 17 to press upon the cam 18 and bring the contacts 21 and 22 into engagement with each other. This will complete the electric circuit and immediately energize the electro magnet 28 which will lift the detent 31 to the position of Fig. 2 and out of the path of movement of the T-head 13. Therefore, continued movement of the handle will cause the bolt 9 to be moved to the position of Fig. 2. As soon as the handle is released the spring 8 will return the parts to the position of Fig. l and the detent 31 will drop so that the switch A is opened and thc lock cannot again be actuated for the reason that the T-head will engage the detent and hold the same from further movement.

In Fig. 4, I have shown the manner in which a single switch A may be connected'to a plurality of locks constructed in accordance with my invention. This might be employed in many instances where it is desired to have a master switch which will lock a plurality of locks which cannot be operated until the master switch has been closed.

The preferred use of the lock is in conjunction with the doors of automobiles. The lock can, however, be generally utilized and with minor changes in the details of construction has a field of use in conjunction with the ignition, spare tire and other lockable parts of a motor vehicle.

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same and that various changes relative to the material, size, shape and arrangement of parts may be resorted to Without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:- 1. In a device of the character described, a casing, a sliding bolt positioned in said casing, a lever pivoted in said casing and extending through the bolt and adapted to actuate the same, a pivoted detent in alignment with said lever, magnetic means for moving said detent out of alignment with the end oi' said lever, a remotely positioned switch electrically connected to said magnet, and a second switch positioned within the casing and actuated by the return movement ol said lever.

2. In a device o! the character described, a casing, a sliding bolt positioned in said casing, a bell crank lever pivoted in the casing and extending through the bolt and adapted to cause the sliding actuation of the same, a pivoted detent in augment with said lever, a magnet positioned in the casing and adapted for moving said detent out of engagement with the end of the lever, a remotely positioned switch electrically connected to said magnet, and a second switch arranged Within the casing and adapted to be contacted when said lever is actuated by the sliding movement of said bolt.

ROBINSON M. WALKER. 

